Nguyễn Tường Lân (1906–1946/1947): The Poet of Early Modern Vietnamese Painting

Promotion IV (1928–1933) — Graduated Second of His Class

Nguyễn Tường Lân was born in 1906 and trained at the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine in Hanoi, during a defining period for Vietnamese modern art. His studies coincided with the 1931 Paris Colonial Exhibition, where Victor Tardieu, the school’s founder and director, played a central role in showcasing the work of his students.

Thanks to this visibility, Nguyễn Tường Lân’s works were exhibited internationally and received great acclaim. He participated in several major events, including:

• The Exposition Coloniale Internationale in Vincennes (1931),

• Exhibitions at AGINDO (Paris) in 1932 and 1934,

• The Salon d’Outre-Mer at the Grand Palais (Paris) in 1935,

• And the SADEAI exhibitions in Hanoi (1935–1936).

Although his career was tragically short-lived, Nguyễn Tường Lân’s body of work played a key role in defining the early identity of modern Vietnamese painting, blending the lyricism of traditional aesthetics with Western composition and perspective.

Nguyễn Tường Lân on the Art Market: Artist’s Value and Auction Estimates

Because of his premature death and limited output, Nguyễn Tường Lân’s works are exceptionally rare and highly prized by collectors. His reputation continues to grow internationally, particularly among collectors of the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine.

Nguyễn Tường Lân’s rare works have been featured in international sales alongside those of his contemporaries Lê Phổ, Mai Trung Thứ, and Vũ Cao Đàm. His silk compositions are especially prized for their subtle harmony and introspective beauty.

Selling a Work by Nguyễn Tường Lân

Charlotte Aguttes-Reynier, author of Le renouveau de l’art moderne en Indochine and expert at Aguttes for over 15 years, brings her deep expertise in this movement to assist European and Vietnamese collectors and sellers alike.

She specializes in previously unseen works, including modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures, and conducts on-site valuations throughout France and Europe in collaboration with Aguttes’ regional offices.

You can submit a free and confidential valuation request, including photos, descriptions, and documentation related to your work, via the online form or by email to our specialist.

The department organizes four annual auctions devoted to artists from the École des Beaux-Arts de l’Indochine.

The Aguttes Asian Painters Department

As a historical market leader for modern Asian artists, Aguttes serves as a trusted intermediary for both private and institutional sellers, ensuring optimal results and secure transactions under French auction law.

The Asian Painters Department regularly showcases the great masters of modern Vietnamese art, including:
Lê Phổ, Nguyễn Phan Chánh, Mai Trung Thứ, Vũ Cao Đàm, Trần Văn Thọ, Phạm Hầu, and many others.

Contact our expert today to receive a free valuation of your Nguyễn Tường Lân artwork and benefit from personalized guidance throughout the appraisal and sale process.